#Japan #Tokyo #Cloud Funding #Theater #Basume's Pipedream

The Intriguing Two-Person Play 'Basume's Pipedream'

Performance Dates: April 3-5, 2026
Venue: Shimokitazawa, Theater 'Rakuen'
Ticket Release: February 21, 2026 at 21:00

The world of theater is about to witness a unique fusion of the stage and cinema with the compelling two-person play, Basume's Pipedream. From April 3 to 5, 2026, the intimate theater 'Rakuen' in Shimokitazawa will host this thought-provoking performance brought to life by SAKURA ROAD Entertainment, helmed by Naoki Machida. This initiative signifies the intersection between live performance and the future of film, aiming to expand the narrative through both mediums.

The inspiration behind this piece comes from Eugene O'Neill's The Iceman Cometh. Set in a modern Japanese snack bar, the story explores the delicate battle between illusions of dreams that fuel our lives and the often harsh realities that challenge them.

At the heart of the narrative is the character Haruo, the bar's owner who humorously vows to turn his life around with each new day while surrounded by loyal patrons—who in this context, are the audience. Among these patrons is Hikki, a successful insurance sales representative, who endeavors to engage Haruo in a challenging conversation about the nature of hopes and expectations while pouring drinks. When she provokes him with, "So when exactly is this 'tomorrow' you're talking about?" Haruo is forced to confront the stark truths of his existence.

The play’s setting in the snack bar 'Hope' becomes a sanctuary where the unnamed and often overlooked stories of its patrons intersect. As Hikki urges Haruo to step outside his comfort zone and pursue his dreams, the realization dawns on him that he is unable to change, leading to his gradual disintegration.

A Seamless Transition to the Screen

This production is a crucial chapter in the ongoing development of the forthcoming film project Eikyo and Pipedream. The narratives explored within the play will intricately connect with the film's atmosphere, and both the cast and crew are united as a singular team working towards a shared vision. To further enhance this combination of theatrical and cinematic expression, a crowdfunding initiative will kick off on April 1st, aiming to secure resources for completing the film.

This ambitious project is not merely a stage adaptation; it's an experimental endeavor expanding on a singular story through multiple perspectives, inviting the audience to engage with the narrative in various forms.

Performance Details

• - Title: Basume's Pipedream
• - Duration: Approximately 90 minutes
• - Script: Masaya Kudaka
• - Director: Masahiro Fukui
• - Cast: Kotowa, Masahiro Fukui
• - Showtimes:

- April 3 (Fri) 13:00, 17:00
- April 4 (Sat) 13:00, 17:00
- April 5 (Sun) 12:00, 16:00

• - Ticket Pricing:

- Regular: 4000 yen (Pre-sale/At-Door)
- After Talk: 5000 yen (Includes post-show talk with cast/writer)
- Note: Only those with After Talk tickets can participate.

Production Team

• - Planning and Management: SAKURA ROAD Entertainment
• - Collaborators: Kudaka Video Workshop, Engiya Planning

Related Project Information

• - Feature Film: Eikyo to Pipedream expected to begin filming in Fall 2026 around Inagi city (Tokyo) and Kawasaki city (Kanagawa).
• - Crowdfunding Launch: Set for April 1st via MotionGallery.

For further inquiries, please contact Kudaka Video Workshop.
Official Website: Eikyo to Pipedream